Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Florida
An accident with a commercial truck will leave you with severe injuries. It is natural to feel distraught, confused, and unsure of the next steps to take. There are certain actions you can take to protect your legal rights, safety, and financial future after a crash. Our Tampa truck accident attorney explains what these are below.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Truck accidents cause some of the most catastrophic injuries. It is important to call 911 immediately afterward so paramedics will visit the scene, examine you, and treat any apparent injuries. If the paramedics recommend it, you should also visit an emergency scene after leaving the scene. In the following days, you should also follow up with your primary care doctor. Some injuries are not apparent right away and your doctor can identify them and provide the treatment you need.
It is also important to note that under the no-fault law in Florida, you must seek medical attention within 14 days to obtain personal injury protection (PIP) benefits.
Keep a Recovery Journal
Using an app on your phone or a notebook, keep notes of any pain you experience, disruptions to your sleep, emotional challenges, and how your injuries are impacting your personal, family, and work life. Recovery journals can be used as evidence to establish non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. These notes can also track your recovery over time.
Obtain a Copy of the Police Report
It is important to obtain a copy of the police report from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. This can be done online or your truck accident attorney can obtain it for you. The report includes the officer’s initial observations, indicate fault, citations issued, and information for eyewitnesses. The police report is also very valuable evidence when filing a claim.
Do Not Speak to the Trucking Company or Their Insurance Company
Shortly following the accident, the trucking company or their insurance company may contact you. It is important that you do not speak to them. These entities use many tactics to shift the blame for the crash to you and reduce or deny your compensation. Always first speak to an attorney and then direct communication to them.
Notify Your Own Insurance Company
Even if you were not at fault for the accident, it is still important to notify your own insurance company of the accident. Failing to do so could result in the insurer canceling your policy. Only provide your insurer with basic details regarding how the accident occurred and your own personal information.
Our Truck Accident Attorney in Tampa Can Guide You Through the Necessary Steps
You do not have to go through the aftermath of a truck accident on your own. At Moore Law, our experienced Tampa truck accident attorney can guide you through the necessary steps, protect your legal rights, and help you obtain any compensation you are entitled to. Call us today at 813-510-5400 or chat with us online to request a consultation. We will handle the legal details while you focus on your recovery.
Source:
flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/
